Staying healthy

How to stay healthy with HIV

A healthy lifestyle is important for everyone, but if you’re HIV positive it is even more important. Looking after your health will help you avoid infections that occur when your immune system is weakened. Also, if you look after your mind and body, you should experience a healthy life and find it easier to adhere to your HIV treatments.

Diet and exercise

There is no specific diet that people living with HIV need to follow, however ensuring that your body gets a balance of the food groups it needs will help keep your immune system strong enough to ward off infections. Regular exercise will also help you to keep yourself healthy.

Mental health

People living with HIV are more prone to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and low self-confidence. If you believe that any of these or other mental health-related issues, are affecting you then it’s important that you address this and can contact your clinic or local mental health service to see a specialist.

Alcohol and other drugs

Excessive use of alcohol or other recreational drugs can cause problems whether you are HIV positive or not. The effects of drugs or alcohol can make it more difficult for an HIV positive person to avoid risky behaviours or to remember to take their treatment as prescribed.

If you think that your drug or alcohol usage is causing problems, you can contact your clinic or local health service to find a service that can support you and help you change your habits.